Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Rockford, IL
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Rockford, IL earn an average annual salary of $52,510. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, indicating a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the area. While not reaching the national benchmark, the Rockford market presents a distinct compensation landscape for these skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,900.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Rockford, IL, comprises 1,010 professionals, representing a significant concentration with a Location Quotient of 2.63. This elevated quotient suggests a robust demand for these specialized skills within the region, exceeding the national average concentration. The presence of 7.223 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active market and potential opportunities for skilled individuals in this trade.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Rockford, IL earns-4.4%below the national average.
$25.2
$1,010
$4,376
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rockford's welder salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation for skilled trades like welding has seen incremental growth nationally and in many local markets. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for infrastructure projects, and the need for specialized manufacturing capabilities likely contribute to a positive salary trend, even if the pace varies by region.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding increased skill, efficiency, and responsibility within the trade.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,630 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,383 | $18.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,300 | $24.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,638 | $31.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,900 | $32.2 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,510 in Rockford, IL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average. Residents can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a rate comparable to the typical American, making Rockford a neutral ground for financial planning when considering relocation based on salary versus cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,010
Total Jobs
7.223
Per 1K Jobs
2.63
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 2.6x the national concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Rockford, IL, exhibits a strong concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 2.63, which is substantially higher than the national average of 1.0. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is more than twice the national average relative to the overall workforce. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized regional industry or a strong manufacturing base that relies heavily on welding expertise, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled workers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $57,580↑ 10% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $56,700↑ 8% | 59 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,690↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,990↑ 3% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,840↑ 3% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Rockford, IL is $52,510. This typically ranges from $38,630 for entry-level positions to $66,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 4.4% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $52,510 is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.63) and a cost of living matching the national average suggest strong local demand and stable purchasing power for these roles.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($57,580) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Rockford, IL is $52,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.63 mean for welders in Rockford?
An LQ of 2.63 signifies that Rockford has a significantly higher concentration of welders relative to the national average. This suggests a strong local demand and a specialized job market for these professionals in the area.
Is the cost of living in Rockford high for welders?
No, Rockford's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the $52,510 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of welders in Rockford, IL?
There are approximately 1,010 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Rockford, IL area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,010 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 7.223 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Rockford, IL